ByersM

Hi, I'm looking at purchasing a new GLE 350. I've had both the GLK 350 andGLE 350 in the past. Will the new GLE 350 with the smaller engine be a disappointment? I've loved my V6 models.

GregW / Oregon

While the turbo 4 has enough power for some, IMO it lacks the refinement a vehicle in this price range should have. Test drive to see for yourself, but the 450 is so much better with little fuel economy penalty.

Lanzz

I echo what Greg said. I drive a GLE350 and this is our second one - it's an incredible package, but the stop/start is incredibly intrusive - this alone reminds you that there are only 4 cylinders under the hood. For me, the decision both times has been economic - I want to drive two MB vehicles, and driving the GLE350 enables us to also drive an E class and stay within my self-imposed vehicle budget. No regrets - but if the right CPO GLE450 comes alone and my budget allows, I would upgrade with no hesitation - and if not, we will probably trade this GLE350 for another one. Best of luck with your decision!!!

bancroftdg

I have test driven the 2023 GLE350 and while I liked just about everything, I found it a bit lacking while accelerating on to the highways. did not deal with the start/stop issue noted above but maybe the salesman had turned it off. I've been told that the 2024 GLE350 is much better due to the mild hybrid (ISG) but haven't had a chance to test drive one yet.

Jenfromtheblock

I have two friends with GLE 350’s and they think they are zippy. I test drove both last week and I going for the 450 with fewer options. I also think it depends on how you drive…calm or aggressive….where you drive the most….city streets or freeway.

ByersM

I live in Texas, but I travel to Louisiana often. Some areas of the interstate get very narrow, and it's not unusual to find yourself sandwiched between an 18- wheeler and a cement median. It sounds like the 450 may be the way to go. Thank you everyone!

stephencs601

450 hands down

Lucky 777

I have a 350 and find it's plenty zippy enough. The stop/start function is a little rough in comfort mode but almost unnoticeable in ECO mode because the car starts out in 2nd gear. I believe they have sorted out the premature failure of the 48 volt lithium battery issues the 450 had early on, but you still have a component with a finite lifespan that can and eventually will totally disable the car.

BlueYonder

I've driven both. The 350 drives and sounds like the four cylinder it is. The 450 drives like a very smooth straight six should. I doubt anyone gets the 450 and wishes they had purchased the 350 instead.

CincyMBGuy

The added ISG on the 2024 350 makes it feel like an entirely different car. The stop/start is long longer jarring and intrusive and the added torque is noticeable. There were also changes made to the exhaust note, it is now less buzzy and has a more throaty sound from the 4-banger.

makris0000

I went from a 2021 GLE 350 to a 2024 GLE 53 AMG Coupe. While the 4 cylinder engine is not bad, it did have some quirks that I noticed around the 2nd year I had her. The engine does feel like it does not have enough power if the car is full of people and luggage and it does struggle with a full load. Also the transmission was jerky at slower speeds between 2nd to 4th gear when slowing down and speeding up. The gas mileage also was not that great in the City. RIght now I get about the same gas mileage in the city with my GLE 53 AMG Coupe that I used to get with my GLE 350. The start/stop on the 350 is also jerky as well and I had to keep turning it off. The 48V mild hybrid system makes the start/stop so much smoother.

If it is within your means, go with the 450. If you plan on only keeping this car for less than 3 years, then get the 350 (if ti comes down to price).

TonyF61

While test driving a MY 21 350, I asked the SA to show me how to put it into Sport mode. He replied "it already is". Game over. I ordered a '22 450. It was well worth the wait.

djgiovanni

Had the GLE 350 for 3 weeks. Traded for the GLE 450 the second it arrived in my dealership.

stktyz33

To earlier point, 2024 cars are different electronically and mechanically. Even 2023 450 and 2024 450 are not the same (NTG6 / NTG 7, different camera resolution, 48V ISG Gen 1 vs ISG Gen 2) etc. If you have the means, get the 450. If you prefer to stay with 350, 2024 one is certainly better than 2023.

CharlotteCat

just drive both last week .. 450 clearly better but 7k price difference. Local dealers want MSRP .. have never done that in my life . Live in NC .. any suggestions on who sells below MSRP ?

CincyMBGuy

PM sent.

mynewgle

Ordered a 350 in 2022 when there was low/no supply and lingering chip shortage. No dealers around me even had a 450 I could test drive. Unable to appreciate the difference and the 48V issues pushed us into the 350.

Recently drove an E Class wagon loaner with the inline 6 and quickly realized my mistake

It's my wife's DD and it's plenty for her, but I would go for the 450 if I could do it all over.

djgiovanni

GLE 450 is a completely different car compared to the GLE 350. Some say the 2024 is better than its GLE 350 predecessor, but it is still a heavy 4-cylinder truck. Been there done that in my case.

For anyone interested, the 450 is worth the extra coin (and time if that is still the case)..

Jenfromtheblock

I just purchased a 24 gle 450. I love it. I live in houston so I like the larger engine to move on the freeway. Also, the 450s have 4-matic standard!